Sandbanks Beach
Banks Rd, Poole, England
Sandbanks Beach is one of the best spots for kitesurfing in the UK, but there are plenty of other things to do at this family-friendly locale. With its golden stretch of sand, it’s a great place for sunbathing, building sand castles, and swimming in the crystal water, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding, and other sports.
The basics
Poole is easy to get to from Bournemouth, and then Sandbanks Beach is just a bit further. You can take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see spots around Poole, plus Sandbanks, which gives you the flexibility to spend your time at the beach however you like. While you’re there, you can rent all sorts of water-sports gear, for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and more. It’s also a great place to take out a sailboat or hop on a harbor tour.
Things to know before you go
Sandbanks Beach can get windy, so you might want to bring a windbreaker with you.
Make sure to protect yourself from the sun, even when it’s overcast.
There are several restaurants both on and just off the beach.
How to get there
There are a few different ways to get to Sandbanks Beach. Take a bus if you’re coming from Bournemouth, the ferry from Studland or Swanage, or the train, which connects to most major cities in the UK. You can also drive. Head to Poole town center then cross the Poole Bridge and follow the signs to Sandbanks.
When to get there
Sandbanks Beach is gorgeous year-round, but it’s a lot warmer in the summer months. If you’re heading there for water sports, aim for June to August, though that’s also the busiest time at the beach. Come in the other seasons for the crisp sea air, and enjoy the area’s walks—just make sure to bundle up.
Birdwatching on Brownsea Island
If you’re into twitching (British for birdwatching), head over to Brownsea Island from Sandbanks Beach—just a short ferry ride away—to see if you can spot warblers, avocets, teals, shelducks, and other birds. There are a few hides where you can scope them out, along with island wildlife like red squirrels. You can also see the impressive Brownsea Castle; you normally won’t be able to enter, but check the National Trust site to see if any events are on while you’re there.
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